Science_ Technology_ Engineering _amp; Math

Science, Technology, Engineering & Math
September 2008
2008 Stakeholder Advisory Committee and
Roundtable Participants
Mike Aubin, Verizon Foundation Jeff Mao, Maine
Frances Bradburn, New Schools Project Rob Meissner, Curr Tech Integrations
Chris Brown, Pearson Jayne Moore, Maryland
Nancy Carey, Maryland Mark Nieker, Pearson Foundation
Tom Carroll, NCTAF Lan Neugent, Virginia
Tera Daniels, SETDA John O’Connell, Iowa
Dennis David, CurrTech Integrations Anita O’Neill, Montgomery County Public Schools,
Geoff Fletcher, 1105 Media Maryland
Christine Fox, SETDA Sandy O’Neil, New Jersey
Jennifer Fritschi, Verizon Foundation Cathy Poplin, Arizona
Bob Gabrys, NASA Curtis Pyke, George Washington University
Rick Gaisford, Utah Rae Raffin, SMART Technologies
Anita Givens, Texas Paul Ramos, Pearson
Daniel Gohl, Teaching Institute for Excellence in Bob Regan, Adobe Systems
STEM (TIES) Jim Rubillo, NCTM
Tracy Gray, AIR Jim Rosso, Project Tomorrow
Sara Hall, SETDA Dennis Small, Washington
Wayne Hartschuh, Delaware Gloria Steele, South Dakota
Toby Horn, Carnegie Institute Charles Toulmin, NGA
Kathy Hurley, Pearson Foundation Mark Tullis, Learning.com
Rachel Jones, SETDA Carla Wade, Oregon
Daylene Long, Vernier Software Mary Ann Wolf, SETDA
Executive Summary
The students in kindergarten this year will graduate in 2020. It is our responsibility
to ensure that our children are prepared to lead our country in the 21st Century and
compete in the global marketplace. In order to do that, we need to provide our children
with an education that includes a solid foundation in science, technology, engineering,
and mathematics (STEM). We also need to encourage the students of today to pursue
careers in STEM-related fields. The opportunity cost for not addressing this challenge
is too high for our country to ignore. In this paper, SETDA discusses the importance of
STEM education, the current state of STEM education, and barriers to implementing
STEM education and recommends what stakeholders and policymakers can do to
support STEM education.
Table of Contents
What is STEM Education? 2
Why STEM Education is Important 2
Current State of STEM Education 3
STEM Education Initiatives 3
Barriers to STEM Education 8
Key Recommendations 10
1. Obtain Societal Support for STEM Education 10
2. Expose Students to STEM Careers 11
3. Provide On-Going and Sustainable STEM Professional 11
Development
4. Encourage Pre-Service Training 12
5. Recruit and Retain STEM Teachers 13
1
Key Recommendations
1. Obtain Societal Support for STEM Education
2. Expose Students to STEM Careers
3. Provide On-Going and Sustainable STEM Professional Development
4. Encourage STEM Pre-Service Teacher Training
5. Recruit and Retain STEM Teachers
What is STEM Education?
STEM refers to the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
STEM initiatives started as a way to promote education in these related areas so that
students would be prepared to study STEM fields in college and pursue STEM-related
careers. Schools with a strong emphasis on STEM education often integrate science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics
into the entire curriculum.
On a given school day, students benefitting
from an education that integrates STEM
into the learning process may collaborate
on an interactive white board, use a
simulation program to graph and model
formulas through spreadsheets to learn
algorithms, manipulate molecules to
understand reactions, use handheld
devices to collect and analyze data to solve
real-world environmental problems, or use
sophisticated technology to understand
the connections between music and
mathematics.
Why STEM Education is
Important
Students need an education with a solid foundation in STEM areas so that they are
prepared to both work and live in the 21st Century. Since the 1960s, the demand
for skills has changed significantly – the demand for routine manual task skills have
decreased, while the demand for non-routine interactive task skills have increased
significantly.1 Workforce projections for 2014 by the U.S. Department of Labor show
that 15 of the 20 fastest growing occupations require significant science or mathematics
training to successfully compete for a job.2 According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics, professional information technology (IT) jobs will increase 24% between
2006 and 2016.3 However, as jobs requiring a solid background in science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics are growing – more students are choosing not to major in
these areas.
2
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math
• Enrollment in undergraduate degree
programs in computer sciences is “Jobs that traditionally offer the
more than 50 percent lower than it best pay and require the most
was five years ago.4 education are growing the fastest. ”
• In 2001, only 8% of all degrees —The American Diploma Project,
awarded in the U.S. were in Connecting Education Standards
engineering, mathematics or the and Employment
physical sciences.5
• The U.S. ranks 20th internationally
based on our share of graduate degrees awarded in engineering, computer
science, and mathematics.6
• By 2010, if current trends continue, more than 90 percent of all scientists and
engineers will be living in Asia.7
If students continue to pursue degrees and careers in fields other than STEM-
related areas, the U.S. will find it difficult to compete in the global economy. Further,
the U.S. will not be able to meet its future workforce needs. The U.S. needs
400,000 new graduates in STEM fields by 2015.8 Microsoft reports that only 14%
of students graduating with bachelor’s degrees in Washington state have the skills
that they need.9 Without a solid foundation in science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics, students will not be qualified for many jobs in the workplace – including
many jobs beyond traditional engineering or science-related jobs.
Current State of STEM Education
The initial force behind STEM education initiatives was to develop future engineers
and scientists through the implementation of specialty or magnet high schools
focusing on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. There are over 100
schools specializing in mathematics, science, and technology serving 37,000 students
nationwide.10
While this approach works for students enrolled in these high schools, the majority
of kids in most school districts in the country do NOT have STEM school options.
Instead, in most school districts, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
are included as part of the entire curriculum – not as a specific focus. Many of these
STEM subject areas are not integrated into the curriculum or taught on an everyday
basis. For example, 29% of K-5 teachers report teaching science two or fewer days
per week.11
STEM Education Initiatives
This section highlights some of the current broad-based initiatives to advance STEM
education at the national, state, and district levels.
3
September 2008
National Initiatives
Several national STEM initiatives are highlighted below.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
(http://education.nasa.gov/home/index.html) implements programs to advance
STEM education with the goal of increasing the pool of scientists, engineers, and
mathematicians who will lead space exploration. In the “NASA Means Business”
competition, college students compete to develop promotional plans to encourage
middle and high school students to study STEM subjects and to encourage professors
to involve their students in outreach activities that support STEM education.
Project Lead the Way (PLTW)
(http://www.pltw.org/) is a national, non- PLTW at a Glance 2007-2008
profit educational program that promotes School Year:
science and engineering for middle and States with PLTW programs:
high school students. PLTW partners 49 states and the District of
with public schools, higher education Columbia
institutions and the private sector and Total schools: 2,000
currently serves over 175,000 students. Total teachers trained: 6,000
PLTW utilizes a project-based learning Total counselors trained: 3,500
philosophy where students engage Total students enrolled in PLTW
in hands-on, real-world projects and classes: 175,000
students discover how the skills they are Total number of students who
learning in the classroom are applied have experienced PLTW: More
in everyday life. PLTW’s primary goals than 300,000
are to increase the number of students
who pursue degrees in engineering and
engineering technology programs, and who graduate with these degrees. PLTW is
also committed to providing leadership for the continuous improvement and innovation
in STEM programs.
The National Consortium for NCSSSMST at a Glance
Specialized Secondary Schools of 80 institutional members (secondary
Mathematics, Science and Technology schools)
(NCSSSMSST) (http://www.ncsssmst.org/) 39,000 students
supports specialized schools whose 1,600 educators
primary purpose is to prepare students for Over 100 affiliate members
leadership in mathematics, science, and (colleges, universities, and
technology. Specialized Math and Science corporations)
High Schools (MSHS) focus on STEM
courses where teachers encourage student
learning and the development of critical thinking skills. MSHS form partnerships
with colleges, businesses, and community organizations to support research and
internships.
4
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math
State Initiatives
Several state-level STEM initiatives are highlighted below.
Arizona STEM Education Center, a coalition of private and public partners, created
to promote teacher recruitment, training and retention, generates interest in math and
science for pre-school through high-school students, and encourages college students
to pursue degrees in STEM-related fields. The Center plans to bring employees from
technology, science, and other private sector companies into classrooms to expose
students to STEM careers.
The Missouri METS Coalition (http://www.missourimets.com/mx/hm.asp?id=home),
an alliance of business, education and community leaders, was created to boost
student achievement in math, engineering, technology and science. Some of the
METS Coalition recommendations to the state legislature for 2008 include streamlining
Missouri’s mathematics and science curricula, expanding the pool of students
motivated to pursue METS careers through increased scholarship opportunities and
higher-education incentives, and providing incentives to recruit and retain high quality
P-20 math, engineering, technology and science educators.
The Missouri METS Coalition supports incentives to recruit and retain high
quality P-20 math, engineering, technology and science educators, and
professional enhancement programs and opportunities for all METS educators.
The North Carolina New Schools Project (http://newschoolsproject.org/page.php),
is redesigning 100 high schools across the state so that every student is ready for
college, a career, and life in the 21st Century. Thirty-four of those schools have a
specific STEM focus and 16 of the redesigned schools have a one-to-one student-to-
computer ratio, with an emphasis on integrating technology in the curriculum. In these
schools, teachers connect students with the knowledge-based economy. Many of the
schools are opening in towns with businesses requiring skilled workers.
The Ohio STEM Learning Network (OSLN) (http://www.ohiostem.org/),
is a statewide initiative created in 2007 to provide $200 million in funding to support
STEM initiatives for Pre-K-16. Initiatives include attracting undergraduates into
STEM disciplines, increasing the supply of STEM researchers in higher education,
developing STEM schools, and enhancing professional development for STEM
teachers. The OSLN includes a dynamic group of Pre-K-12 education, higher
education and business partners. All partners work together to share best practices
and innovative ideas. Collaboration is essential for ensuring that all school districts
have access to STEM learning.
5
September 2008
The Washington Scholarship Program is a program in which Washington state in
conjunction with private companies is offering scholarships to students who score
well in STEM subjects on state and/or college-entrance exams. In order to obtain
a scholarship, students must major in STEM subject areas and agree to work in
Washington state after graduation.
District Level Initiatives
Several innovative districts highlighted below have begun implementing STEM at the
middle- and elementary-school level.
STEM Curriculum for K-12 Students - Halifax County, Virginia
Since taking over as superintendent of Halifax County Public Schools, Paul Stapleton has
been a strong proponent of STEM education. Within 6 months, he established a high
school STEM Academy (magnet program) for a select group of 14 students. The following
school year, the program was expanded to include over 100 students. The results of the
program have been outstanding. Halifax is planning to expand STEM education into the
middle and elementary school curriculum and over the next 3-5 years, Halifax plans to
introduce a STEM curriculum for all students in grades 1-12.
“We initially implemented the STEM Academy to prepare a select group of
students for careers in science and engineering. Now, I believe that the skills
developed in a good STEM program are beneficial for all students.”
—Paul Stapleton, Superintendent Halifax County Public Schools
Middle and Elementary School Mathematics and Science Programs – Prince
William County, Virginia
Three middle schools and two elementary schools in Prince William County offer
Mathematics and Science Programs. The programs are designed to challenge and
motivate students in science and math through hands-on discovery and exploration,
while developing critical thinking skills. These specialty schools stress rigorous
academic instruction, strong performance expectations, and high behavioral
standards. They use research-based innovative instructional strategies within the
framework of a traditional education.
Montgomery County, Maryland is in the process of systematically implementing
STEM learning for ALL students starting in kindergarten.
STEM Elementary Schools - The Utica Community Schools, Michigan
The Utica Community Schools (USC) system in Sterling Heights, Michigan, under the
leadership of the superintendent, Dr. Christine Johns and her staff, has embarked on
6
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math
a broad-based initiative where science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are
taught through an interdisciplinary approach. Initially targeting grades 3 – 6, teachers
and curriculum leaders have been working the last several years to develop STEM
modules using the curriculum development templates of CurrTech Integrations (www.
currtechintegrations.com). The modules
which will be implemented in the district’s
29 elementary schools during the 2008-09 Benefits of a STEM Curriculum
school year, adhere to several prevalent • Enhanced problem solving
guiding philosophies. Among these capabilities
philosophies are the 5E teaching/learning • Improved mathematics skills
cycle, Understanding by Design (UbD), • Technology savvy student
problem-based learning, performance- population
based assessments, inquiry, and formative Source: Dr. Christine Johns,
assessments. All modules culminate in Superintendent, Utica Community
an engineering-based problem, in which Schools
science, technology, and mathematics are
applied to the engineering process. Along
with the written curriculum, various teaching technologies such as student tablets
and student response systems are an integral part of the curriculum development
and delivery process. It is Dr. John’s vision that skills developed using a good STEM
curriculum benefit all students, regardless of their future career paths.
Elementary School Technology Program – Tempe, Arizona
(www.tempeschools.org/schools/scalestechnologyacademy)
Scales Technology Academy, located in Tempe Elementary School District in Arizona,
provides one-to-one laptops for all students from kindergarten through fifth grade
and focuses on a high-technology curriculum. Scales Technology Academy is one
of several school created to appeal to parent’s preferences and is funded by a voter-
approved $64 million bond. Scales Technology Academy integrates technology into
the curriculum and provides a balance between core knowledge and 21st Century
skills. Teachers empower students to be independent learners, critical thinkers, and
problem-solvers. Teachers use interactive whiteboards, document cameras, and
audio enhancements among other technology tools. The entire school campus is
wireless, promoting anytime, anywhere learning for all students. Scales Technology
Academy learning provides:
• Daily use of technology integrated across the curriculum;
• Access to technology for every child;
• Technology provided for students who might not otherwise have it at home;
• Curriculum that includes 21st Century skills, such as critical thinking, technology
proficiency, collaboration, communication, and information literacy; and
• Staff who are specially trained in technology integration.
Over 75% of students at Scales receive free and reduced-price lunches and are from
low-income families that do not have access to computers and technology outside the
school.
7
September 2008
“Technology truly transfixes the students’ focus. They are 100 percent
engaged. They are so engaged, they don’t even realize how much of the
curriculum is tied in.”
—Veteran Teacher at Scales
Barriers to STEM Education
SETDA has identified some of the barriers to achieving STEM education for ALL
students.
What Hinders Districts from Offering High-Quality STEM Education Programs in ALL
Schools?
• Curriculum and credit issues
ο Is it a science course, a mathematics course, an engineering course, or a
technology course?
• Lack of funding
ο Most states and districts do not provide funding to help promote STEM
education
• Lack of qualified teachers
ο Very few graduates are majoring in STEM-related fields and then choosing a
teaching career
ο Only 60% of public school math teachers teaching math in grades 7-12 majored
in math in college12
ο Two-thirds of students taking physical science classes do not have teachers
who majored in physical sciences in college or who are certified to teach
physical sciences13
ο Difficult for STEM trained professionals to transfer to teaching because of
certification requirements
• Inadequate policies to recruit and retain STEM-Educated Teachers
ο Teaching STEM requires a different knowledge and skill base at the elementary,
middle and high school levels
What Hinders our Teachers?
• Difficult to retain teachers with a STEM background
ο Teachers with a STEM background often leave teaching to pursue graduate
school
• STEM-trained professionals often don’t pursue teaching because of low
compensation
• STEM teachers have difficulty advancing professionally
ο Difficult to conduct research while teaching in the classroom
ο Difficult to continue to learn more about STEM areas while teaching in the
classroom
8
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math
• Lack of adequate preparation for teachers by higher education
ο Not enough focus on STEM content understanding
• Classroom time constraints
ο At the elementary school level, low performing schools often spend extra time
focused on reading and don’t provide adequate time for learning in STEM
areas.
What Hinders Our Kids?
• Societal and cultural beliefs that mathematics, science, engineering, and
technology are not for everyone. Parents, teachers, and the community say to
kids:
ο “I’m not good in science”
ο “I don’t have the engineering gene”
ο “I’m doing fine without mathematics skills”
ο “I didn’t need the Internet when I was in school”
Administrators, teachers, and parents never say that
reading is not for everyone!
• Kids don’t see relevance of STEM education
ο In elementary school, science is
taught only a few hours a week – not
everyday like other core subjects
ο 29% of K-5 teachers report teaching
science two or fewer days per week14
ο Teachers don’t show kids the
connections between real-life
activities and STEM
ο 50% of students say they will take
math courses only as long as they
are required15
• Difficult to attract and keep kids in STEM careers
ο Kids don’t major in STEM-related fields unless they want to be a scientist, IT
professional, engineer or mathematician
ο Only 8% of college students elect STEM-related majors
ο Many STEM careers, particularly teaching, don’t pay well
9
September 2008
Key Recommendations
Where Do We Want to Go?
Early exposure to STEM is critical for our children, and students should not have
science or computer lab just once a week. Instead, STEM should be integrated
throughout the curriculum for ALL children starting in kindergarten.
Strengthening STEM education should be for ALL students – not just the
cream of the crop who have access to magnet or specialty school options.
How Are We Going to Get There?
States and school districts should develop a strategic plan to implement STEM
education for all kids beginning in kindergarten, and develop specific targets for
achieving these goals. As part of this strategic plan, states and school districts
need to demonstrate to the community, especially parents, that STEM education
is necessary for all students. States and school districts can look to broad-based
initiatives developed in others states and districts for guidance.
In order to provide ALL students with a solid background in STEM, we need to:
• Obtain societal support for STEM education
• Expose students to STEM careers
• Provide on-going and sustainable STEM professional development
• Provide STEM pre-service teacher training
• Recruit and retain STEM teachers
1. Obtain Societal Support for STEM Education
The educational community must advocate and obtain societal support, especially
from parents and students for STEM education. As discussed earlier in this paper,
a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is critical
for success in the 21st Century. Not only do our students need a strong foundation in
STEM in order to be successful in the workforce, as educated citizens, our students
need a solid background in these areas so that they can make informed decisions in
all parts of their lives – from the kind of car they drive and its impact on their budget,
to the type of energy sources available for heating their homes, to the technology
needed to stay connected with friends and family.
Home
10
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math
2. Expose Students to STEM Careers
It is critical for kids to see the relevance of a STEM education as it relates to the
workforce. Internships and summer job programs help high school students see the
relationship between the STEM curriculum and the 21st Century workforce. Listed
below are some examples of internships and summer programs for students.
Anne Arundel STEM Magnet High School Internship
(www.aacps.org/stem/resources.asp)
The overall goals of the internship program are for students to:
• Compare and contrast different work environments in order to determine areas of
interest and skill
• Develop academic, technical and communication skills necessary for the workforce
• Understand company culture and job responsibilities to recognize the role of a
specific career in society
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of a profession
Goddard Space Center Summer Education Programs
(http://neptune.gsfc.nasa.gov/education/)
These education programs are designed to increase the application of science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills and familiarize students with
STEM careers.
SISTER - Summer Institute in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Research
(http://education.gsfc.nasa.gov/sister/default.html)
The Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland offers a five day summer
institute for the purpose of providing opportunities for middle school girls to explore
non-traditional career fields with research scientists, mathematicians and engineers.
Summer Institute of Robotics (SIR)
(http://university.gsfc.nasa.gov/programs/sir.jsp)
The Summer Institute of Robotics is a 2-week residential program at Morgan State
University in Baltimore that is designed to provide opportunities for urban high
school students to learn and discover the science and technology of robot design
and operation, and to encourage students to pursue careers in science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
3. Provide On-Going and Sustainable STEM Professional Development
On-going and sustainable professional development focused on STEM areas is critical
to the successful integration of STEM education into the curriculum for ALL students
starting in kindergarten. Currently, many STEM magnet schools focus on providing
students with workplace and 21st Century skills using an inquiry-based approach that
includes problem-solving, collaboration, critical thinking, and research. All students
can benefit from this approach and teachers need professional development to
support it. As more and more technology tools and resources are available, teachers
11
September 2008
are able to provide instruction that is engaging, dynamic, and rigorous. Online
professional development and online courseware are just a few of the proven effective
methods for providing on-going sustainable professional development.
On-going and sustainable professional development that involves modeling,
mentoring, and/or coaching increases the likelihood that teachers will change
instructional practices by almost 90%.
- Joyce and Showers, 1992, 2005
• Online Professional Development: Online professional development courses
provide resources for many teachers throughout a district and/or state. For
Algebra, Louisiana offers twelve modules covering topics from “Concept of a
Variable” to “Measures of Central Tendency.” Each module focuses on a specific
algebraic content topic and includes elements of instructional strategies and lesson
planning. Furthermore, modules include online readings and resources, interactive
activities, online discussion prompts, and optional enrichment activities.
26% of teachers report that online professional development is their preferred
method for professional development.
- Speak Up 2007
• Online Courseware: Delaware provides access to online courses through
eLearning Delaware. Teachers have access to several clusters of courses. In one
cluster, teachers learn what types of curricula and learning principles will ensure
students’ success in the 21st century workplace and post-secondary education. In
another cluster, teachers receive the skills and knowledge necessary to implement
technology in the classroom through Web-enhanced lessons, project-based
learning, and virtual field trips. Teachers connect with other teachers in an online
environment to ensure on-going and sustainable professional development.
http://www.dcet.k12.de.us/elearning/index.shtml
Online professional development tools provide resources for teachers in all
districts, regardless of geographic location.
4. Encourage Pre-Service Training
We need to encourage pre-service training for our teachers so that they are prepared
to integrate STEM learning into the classroom the first day they start teaching. Quality
pre-service training provides new teachers with the skills, resources, and experience
necessary to begin teaching careers. Here are a few examples of pre-service
programs.
12
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math
High quality pre-service training is a strong predictor of both teacher retention
and good teaching practice.
- National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future
Cincinnati Initiative for Teacher Education (CITE) - CITE is a five-year pre-service
teacher education program designed to graduate fully qualified teachers. Teachers are
required to obtain two degrees – a bachelor’s degree in education, as well as a degree
in their specific discipline. Additionally, teachers participate in a one-year internship
that combines teaching and professional development. During the internship they
work with experienced teachers, faculty, and other interns as professional teams.
Nearly 2/3 of teachers cited science as the area they wished had been
emphasized in their pre-service training.
- 2004 Bayer Facts of Science Survey
The U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science: The Office of Workforce
Development for Teachers and Scientists (http://www.scied.science.doe.gov/scied/
PST/about.htm) offers a pre-service summer internship program for students who have
decided on a teaching career in mathematics or science. Students are placed in paid
internships in science, math, and technology. Students work with scientists or engineers
and are mentored by a Master Teacher who currently works in K-12 education and is
familiar with the research environment of a specific National Laboratory.
“What you are seeing more of now in schools and colleges of education is a
desire to integrate technology in the methodology portion and coursework.”
- Thomas Brush, Associate Professor of Instructional
Technology, Indiana University
5. Recruit and Retain STEM Teachers
We also need to recruit and retain STEM-educated professionals to the teaching
profession. In the next decade, we will need over 2 million teachers - 240,000 of
which specializing in middle and high school mathematics and science.16
13
September 2008
Teachers Learning in Networked Communities (TLINC)
(http://www.nctaf.org/resources/demonstration_projects/t-linc/TLINCresearch.htm)
TLINC gives teacher candidates and novice teachers the support of an interactive
network. TLINC provides a professional learning community that combines in-person
mentoring with online coaching and peer collaboration to improve teaching quality and
student achievement. The TLINC project seeks to achieve the five following outcomes
in its three project sites:
• Improved teacher retention
• Accelerated proficiency for new teachers
• Opportunities for all teachers, administrators, and university faculty to become
engaged in a learning community that continues to evolve
• Establishment of partnership capacity-building structures and processes that
assure sustainability
• Identification of the elements of TLINC that are the source of its power, to
identify the essentials for replication and scaling.
The UTeach Program
(http://www.UTeach.utexas.edu/)
UTeach seeks to recruit, prepare, and retain qualified science, mathematics,
and computer science teachers. UTeach provides full teaching certification for
undergraduate students pursuing degrees in mathematics, science, and computer
science degrees. UTeach started at the University of Texas at Austin, and is currently
being replicated at 13 universities in the United States through the UTeach Institute
and the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI). As a result, greater numbers
of graduates with degrees in STEM fields are choosing teaching careers. Of those
who graduated from the UTeach program and started teaching four years ago,
approximately 82% are still teaching. The UTeach program incorporates the following
strategies:
• Early and active recruitment of college students that begins as early as the
freshman year and targets students from diverse ethnic, socioeconomic, and
academic backgrounds
• Maintenance of a personally, academically, socially and professionally
supportive environment that promotes student retention
• A cohesive professional development sequence that focuses on the challenge
of learning math and science, and builds pedagogical skills and knowledge at
progressively deeper levels
• Development of domain classes that promote a deeper-level understanding of
the subject material and demonstrate effective approaches for technology use
in the learning process
• Utilization of experienced master and mentor teachers who model best-
practices as they teach in college classrooms and guide students in their field
experiences
• Early and on-going guided field experiences in a variety of public school
settings with diverse student populations
• Integration of technology competencies in all aspects of the program
14
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math
• Structured assessments throughout the program that actively involve
students in an on-going self-assessment of their own professional growth and
development
• Establishment of a coherent and viable network (electronic, personal,
institutional) for continuous professional development of program graduates
• Continual refinement of the UTeach academic program based on evaluation
data and educational research
• Collaborative governance of the program that is committed to the management
of program curriculum, resources and instruction
Additional Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining STEM Teachers
• Recruit mid-career and/or retired professionals to teach STEM
• Provide an alternative certification process for STEM teachers
• Provide financial incentives for students to pursue careers as STEM
teachers
California Mathematics and Science Teacher Corps at California State Universi-
ty, Dominguez Hills – This program was created to provide training and credentials to
retired and laid-off aerospace workers interested in becoming elementary or second-
ary mathematics and science teachers. Students receive specialized training based on
their advanced knowledge and experience in the field. Students spend one year in the
program working with peers, observing, tutoring and teaching in schools while taking
courses in teaching methods, motivation, learning, and classroom management.
George Washington University, Washington, DC Teacher Preparation Program -
QUEST (http://www.gwu.edu/~quest/about/index.htm)
The QUEST program is designed for recent college graduates and professionals
transitioning from other fields who want to become middle and high school teachers.
The QUEST Program provides the coursework for initial teacher licensure leading to
a Master’s in Secondary Education (M.Ed.). and licensure eligibility for those who are
interested in teaching secondary Art, English, English as a second language, foreign
language, mathematics, computer science, science (biology, chemistry, physics), and
social studies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, education stakeholders have a responsibility to ensure that all students
have access to high quality instruction in the STEM areas. STEM is a critical compo-
nent of transforming our educational system and ensuring our students are prepared
to thrive in the 21st century global economy. SETDA will continue to add resources
and programs to:
http://www.setda.org/c/document_library/get_file?folderId=270&name=DLFE-246.doc
15
September 2008
Endnotes
1 Education Forum: What it Takes to Compete, Seeing US education through the prism of
international comparisons, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD),
2007.
2 Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Fastest growing occupations, 2004-14,
http://www.bls.gov/emp/emptab21.htm.
3 Fewer students seek tech-related degrees, (2008, June 24), E-School News.
http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/top-news/?i=54247;_hbguid=900b8324-daf2-46d3-b631-
ca35461b9736.
4 Ibid.
5 U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Higher Education.
6 Ibid.
7 Business Roundtable, Tapping America’s Potential: The Education for Innovation Initiative.
8 U.S. behind in doubling science grads, E-School News, (2008, July 18), http://www.eschoolnews.
com/news/top-news/?i=54607.
9 Fewer students seek tech-related degrees, (2008, June 24), E-School News. http://www.
eschoolnews.com/news/top-news/?i=54247;_hbguid=900b8324-daf2-46d3-b631-ca35461b9736.
10 National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools for Mathematics, Science, and Technology,
http://www.ncsssmst.org/.
11 2004 Bayer Facts of Science Survey.
12 The Push to Improve STEM Education, (2008, March 27), Education Week.
13 National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI),
http://www.nationalmathandscience.org/index.php/preparation/.
14 2004 Bayer Facts of Science Survey.
15 National Survey, Illinois.
16 National Center for Education Statistics, National Commission on Mathematics, and Science
Teaching for the 21st Century.
Credits
Writing
Rachel B. Jones
Layout
Catherine Immanuel
Cover & content images — istockphoto.com
16
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math
Thank you, sponsors!